Captain Tushin
Russian artillery officer
BOOK ONE
Book One, Part Two
9 Feb: Chapter 15
We meet the artillery captain in a tent where he is drinking with a bunch of soldiers who have abandoned their posts. Tushin is in his stocking, and smiles shyly: “The soldiers say it’s more comfortable within boots.” Andrei finds something attractive about this small, unsoldierly man.
10 Feb: Chapter 16
In the moments before the start of the battle of Schöngrabern, Tushin is telling other soldiers that we are afraid of the unknown, for we cannot know what is to come after death.
11 Feb: Chapter 17
The artillery captain has begun to fire on the village. He is engrossed in his task, barely registering the presence of his superiors, he gives Bagration a three-fingered salute that looks like a priest’s benediction.
14 Feb: Chapter 20
Tushin’s battery is left undefended on the battlefield, but he goes on firing despite heavy losses. He enters a “state akin to feverish delirium or drunkenness”, entering a “fantastic world” where he is a giant hurling cannonballs at the enemy. Andrei orders him to retire and stays to help move the cannons. When they part, Tushin cries.
15 Feb: Chapter 21
After the battle, Tushin’s emotions catch up with him. He’s been holding it all back, but now he fears to speak for weeping. He helps Nikolai onto a gun and shows generosity to anyone who needs it. In the hut with Prince Bagration, officers cover themselves with lies. Only Andrei speaks out in defence of Tushin.
BOOK TWO
Book Two, Part Two
9 April: Chapter 18
In the officers’ ward, Nikolai encounters Tushin, the artillery captain who rescued him at Schöngrabern. He’s still got his pipe, but he is one arm down. Denisov is alive but in a foul mood. He wants to fight his case, but Tushin advises him to submit and petition the Emperor for a pardon. Rostov know not to press the point and wound Denisov’s pride. But later, Denisov quietly hands Rostov the petition.
Captain Tushin is described throughout the chapters in very feminine terms. I wonder what was the likelihood of women dressing as men, and whether Tolstoy based this character on a real life person? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadezhda_Durova
@ Mimi- He is the star of chapter 20! Despite his physical appearance and unimpressive shrill little voice he was a leader, and one who jumped in to help, encouraged his men and was “in touch with his feelings” using the words of my Dad 🥰 Interesting how he personified the big cannon.